What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parlance
Example
In legal parlance, the term 'tort' refers to a civil wrong that causes harm or injury. [parlance: noun]
Example
The company's financial report was filled with technical parlance that was difficult to understand. [parlance: adjective]
lingo
Example
As a computer programmer, he was familiar with the lingo used in the tech industry. [lingo: noun]
Example
The tourists struggled to understand the local lingo spoken by the residents of the small town. [lingo: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lingo is more commonly used than parlance in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between parlance and lingo?
Parlance is more formal and academic than lingo, which is more informal and colloquial.